Andre Mendez Obituary, San Marcos, CA Officer-Involved Shooting Death: Tragic Loss

San Marcos, California — On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, shortly after 9 p.m., a San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy assigned to the San Marcos station conducted a traffic stop on a red Hyundai Sonata in the 600 block of N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. The vehicle, occupied by a 21-year-old woman in the driver’s seat and a 33-year-old man, later identified as Andre Raphael Mendez, in the front passenger seat, was pulled over for a vehicle code violation.

During the traffic stop, the deputy ran a record check of the vehicle’s license plate and VIN, which appeared inconsistent with DMV registration records. Additionally, the deputy observed damage to the steering column, indicating the vehicle might be stolen. Concerns over the vehicle’s status led the deputy to call for additional assistance.

As multiple deputies and a Palomar College Reserve Police officer arrived to assist, Mendez abruptly rolled up his window and ignored commands to lower it. He then reached toward the floorboard of the vehicle, arming himself with a semiautomatic handgun. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Mendez did not comply.

The female driver was safely removed from the vehicle by deputies and escorted away from the scene. Mendez continued to ignore commands and began to raise the firearm. In response, three deputies deployed their tasers, but these efforts were ineffective.

Mendez then fired two rounds from inside the vehicle, prompting five deputies and one Palomar College Reserve Police officer to discharge their weapons, striking Mendez. Deputies removed Mendez from the vehicle and attempted life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Mendez did not survive the incident.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation into the shooting, and further details will be provided as they become available.